Microsoft OneDrive provides safe and secure file cloud storage for business and personal users across the world. But its privacy and security features are far from good enough. Here are better and more secure Microsoft OneDrive alternatives ⇣ you should use instead.
OneDrive is one of the most popular options available, in part due to its generous free forever plan which includes 5 gigabytes of free storage.
Quick summary:
- Best overall: Sync.com ⇣. With its excellent value for money, great range of features, and focus on security, it's hard to go past Sync.com as one of the world's leading cloud storage providers.
- Runner-up, Best overall: pCloud ⇣. Cheap doesn't necessarily mean basic, and pCloud proves this with excellent integrations, security, and more.
- Best free alternative to Google Drive: Dropbox ⇣ Not everyone can afford to pay for a cloud storage subscription, but Dropbox's free plan provides a great alternative.
However, Microsoft OneDrive certainly has its flaws as well. Its privacy and security features are far from strong enough, which means that your data could be compromised at any point.
For example, end-to-end encryption is notably absent, and any transmitted data is at risk and fully visible to anyone who wants to look hard enough.
Fortunately, there are numerous high-quality Microsoft OneDrive alternatives out there. And in the rest of this guide, I've outlined nine of my favorites.
Best Microsoft OneDrive Alternatives in 2021
The best Microsoft OneDrive alternatives for most people include pCloud (best budget-friendly alternative), Dropbox (best free alternative), and Sync.com (best value for money).
1. Sync.com (Best OneDrive alternative)
- Website: https://www.sync.com
- Very generous storage and transfer limits
- Automatic data syncing for simple backups
- Focus on security and encryption to protect your data
Although it has been around for a few years, Sync.com continues to grow rapidly, fast becoming one of the most popular cloud storage providers around.
And after using it a few times, I quickly understood why.
For one, Sync offers very generous storage and bandwidth limits, which essentially means that you're getting great value for money.
Sync's security integrations are second to none, and there are numerous other features that have to be seen to be believed.
In addition, Sync provides a suite of tools to help you collaborate with colleagues and team members.
Create workplace folders, set permissions, and share important information in a faster, more secure manner than ever before.
Sync.com pros:
- Very generous storage limits
- Excellent zero-knowledge end-to-end encryption
- Great team and collaboration features
Sync.com cons:
- No monthly payment options
- No integrations with third-party platforms
- Upload and download speeds can be slow
Sync.com pricing plans:
Sync.com offers four individual plans, three team plans, one free-forever option, and enterprise-level solutions for larger businesses.
Prices start at $5 per month for a basic team subscription.
| Personal Free
| Free |
| Personal Mini
| $5/month |
| Pro Basic
| $8/month |
| Pro Standard
| $10/month |
| Pro Plus
| $15/month |
| Teams Standard
| $5/month |
| Teams Plus
| $8/month |
| Teams Advanced
| $15/month |
Why Sync.com is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
For me, Sync.com is the best Microsoft OneDrive alternative because of its generous storage limits, excellent security, and impressive collaboration tools – among other great features.
2. pCloud (Best cheap alternative)
- Website: https://www.pcloud.com
- Lifetime licenses available
- Excellent value for money across the board
- Powerful security features to protect your files
Although I've only used pCloud a few times, I love it.
Just about every aspect of this provider's service stands out as exceptional, from its powerful security integrations to its unique lifetime storage licenses.
On top of this, pCloud offers excellent value for money.
The number of features on offer here is excellent and includes everything from automatic backups to file syncing, collaboration tools, and powerful encryption.
You can also view files within the pCloud interface, access your data from anywhere with an internet connection, and more.
pCloud pros:
- Very powerful free plan
- Excellent lifetime subscription options
- Powerful security integrations
- Affordable lifetime deal (500 GB for $175)
pCloud cons:
- No document or file editor
- File management system is a little messy
- Pricing options are confusing
- pCloud Crypto (end-to-end encryption) is a paid addon
pCloud pricing plans:
pCloud offers a selection of options, including lifetime licenses and more traditional monthly subscriptions.
There is also a free forever plan, which includes 10 GB of storage on signup.
| Premium 500 GB
| $4.99/month |
| Premium Plus 2 TB
| $9.99/month |
| Premium 500 GB Lifetime
| $175 one-time payment |
| Premium Plus 2 TB Lifetime
| $350 one-time payment |
| 2 TB Family Lifetime
| $500 one-time payment |
| pCloud Business
| From $7.99/user/month |
Why pCloud is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
If you're looking for sites like Microsoft OneDrive that focus on security, ease of use, and affordability, then pCloud should be sitting right at the top of your list.
3. Dropbox (Best free alternative)
- Website: https://www.dropbox.com
- Excellent free forever plan
- Powerful integrations with various third-party platforms
- Streamlined collaboration and file sharing tools
Like Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox has long been a leader in the cloud storage industry.
It is a little expensive compared to some other competitors, but its free plan is up there with the best I've used.
Another thing I love about Dropbox is its neat integrations with third-party platforms.
Streamline workflows, create automatic backups, and take advantage of the mobile and desktop apps to manage your files on the go.
Dropbox pros:
- Powerful free forever plan
- Excellent integrations with third-party apps
- Impressive file sharing tools
Dropbox cons:
- Full device backups aren't available
- Premium plans are expensive
- Limited storage with free plan
Dropbox pricing plans:
In my opinion, Dropbox's free plan is the best free alternative to Microsoft OneDrive.
It does have a 2GB storage limit, but this won't be an issue for simple document backups. There are also five premium plans, with prices starting at $11.99 per month.
| Plus
| $11.99/month |
| Family
| $19.99/month |
| Professional
| $19.99/month |
| Standard
| $15/user/month |
| Advanced
| $25/user/month |
Why Dropbox is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
Dropbox's free plan is a great option for those who simply don't have the budget to pay for premium cloud storage.
4. NordLocker
- Website: https://nordlocker.com
- Highly secure cloud storage with a focus on security
- Generous free plan
- A focus on controlling who can access your files
NordLocker is a powerful encryption and cloud storage tool that focuses on ensuring your files are as secure as possible.
All data is fully encrypted at all times, and the best thing is that you don't need to have any specialist knowledge to use the platform.
On top of this, NordLocker allows you to set clear access control rules, ensuring that only the people you share your files with can see them.
It also lets you store fully encrypted data on your device rather than in the cloud, provides powerful protection on shared devices and includes automatic backup tools.
NordLocker pros:
- Great focus on security
- Tidy user interface
- Great free plan
NordLocker cons:
- No web interface
- Limited premium plans
- No mobile apps
NordLocker pricing plans:
NordLocker only advertises two subscription options. The 3GB Free plan is exactly what the name suggests: A free forever plan that gives you 3 GB of secure storage.
If you need more than this, the 500 GB plan costs just $3.99 per month, which is up there with the most competitively priced cloud storage I've seen.
If you need more storage than this, you will need to contact the NordLocker team.
Why NordLocker is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
NordLocker's focus on security makes it an excellent alternative to Microsoft OneDrive, a platform that's known for its poor data security procedures.
5. Icedrive
- Website: https://icedrive.net
- Generous lifetime plans
- Excellent all-around features
- Windows, Mac, and Linux OS support
Icedrive is a popular cloud storage provider offering excellent value for money across the board.
Its services are backed by great security, cross-platform compatibility, generous storage limits, and more.
One thing that stood out to me was Icedrive's zero-knowledge client-side encryption, which makes your files all but invisible to prying eyes.
Shared files can be password-protected, and you can even set share timeout rules for extra security.
Icedrive pros:
- Industry-leading security
- Very competitive prices
- Zero-knowledge client-side encryption
Icedrive cons:
- Support can be limited
- No unlimited bandwidth options
- Mobile apps could be better
Icedrive pricing plans:
Icedrive offers three premium plans, with monthly, yearly, and lifetime payment options. There's also a free forever plan with 10GB of secure cloud storage.
| Lite
| $1.67/month |
| Pro
| $4.17/month |
| Pro+
| $14/month |
Why Icedrive is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
If you care about security, encryption, and privacy, you should definitely consider Icedrive as one of the best Microsoft OneDrive competitors.
6. Box
- Website: https://www.box.com
- Excellent track record in the industry
- Beginner-friendly user interface
- Advanced app integrations
Box has been working in the cloud storage industry for the best part of two decades, and this experience shows.
Its storage solutions are among the best I've seen, and they stand out because of their advanced features, security integrations, and excellent reputation.
In my opinion, one of the best things about Box is its streamlined integrations.
Connect with any of more than 1500 third-party apps to streamline workflows and make your daily working life easier than ever.
Box pros:
- Excellent third-party app integrations
- Advanced security tools
- Great unlimited storage options
- HIPAA-compliant cloud storage provider
Box cons:
- App configuration can be difficult
- Some plans are a little expensive
- Limited personal options
Box pricing plans:
Box offers a powerful free forever plan, along with five premium subscription options. Prices range from $7 to $47 per user, per month, with a 25% discount available for annual subscriptions.
The two cheapest plans come with a 100GB storage limit, but the three more expensive options all come with unlimited storage and a suite of other features.
Why Box is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
If you're looking for a business cloud storage provider backed by a great reputation, industry-leading security features, and integrations with over 1500 third-party apps, you simply can't go past Box.
7. Google Drive
- Website: https://www.google.com/intl/en_in/drive/
- Included with any Gmail or Google account
- Free for standard use
- Backed by the power of the Google ecosystem
Google's native cloud storage solution, Google Drive, is included for free with every Gmail or Google account in the world.
It's a convenient option for those who don't need anything too advanced, but there are certainly more powerful options out there.
On the plus side, you will get 15GB of storage for free, offline viewing and document editing support, and a user-friendly interface that's tidy and intuitive.
Google Drive pros:
- Excellent free solution
- Integrates with all other Google Apps
- Tidy, beginner-friendly option
Google Drive cons:
- Limited features
- Slow upload and download speeds
- Poor data privacy
Google Drive pricing plans:
Google Drive is 100% free, forever if you don't need any more than 15GB of storage. More storage can be added if required, with prices starting from $1.99 for 100GB.
Why Google Drive is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
If you already use Gmail or any other Google services, the chances are that you're already using Google Drive. If you don't need anything too fancy, it's likely the most convenient option for your needs.
8. Amazon Drive
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=15547130011
- Secure file backups, sharing, and cloud storage
- Competitively priced solutions
- iOS and Android apps available
Amazon Drive certainly isn't my personal favorite or best cloud storage provider, but it's an option worth mentioning nonetheless.
With highly affordable storage, versatile iOS and Android apps, and decent security features, there's actually a lot to like here.
All existing Amazon users will have access to 5GB of storage, while Prime members can access unlimited photo storage.
Access your files from anywhere, and rest assured that they are protected by the power of the Amazon ecosystem.
Amazon Drive pros:
- Very affordable subscription options
- 24/7 customer support
- Unlimited photo storage
Amazon Drive cons:
- At-rest encryption is notably absent
- Lack of productivity apps
- Confusing user interface
Amazon Drive pricing plans:
If you need something more advanced than Amazon Drive's 5GB free plan, you can upgrade to a 100GB storage plan for just $19.99 per year.
Prices increase as more storage is required, reaching a huge $1800 per year for the 30TB storage plan.
Why Amazon Drive is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
Amazon Drive is one of the best Microsoft OneDrive alternatives for anyone on a tight budget.
9. iDrive
- Website: https://www.idrive.com
- Excellent enterprise-level solutions
- Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices
- Great collaboration features
iDrive is an excellent choice for those who need a high-end cloud storage solution.
It does offer personal subscription options, but the majority of its services are targeted at business and professional users.
Notable features include multiple device backups, iDrive Express physical data retrieval, and file versioning.
On top of this, there are also some excellent tools to help you manage large teams.
iDrive pros:
- iDrive Express physical data retrieval
- Excellent team management tools
- Multiple device backup
iDrive cons:
- Backups can be time-consuming
- Too advanced for basic users
- The user interface can be confusing
iDrive pricing plans:
There are numerous iDrive subscription options available. At the cheapest end of the spectrum, the free plan comes with 5GB of storage. Personal plans start from $52.12 per year for 5TB of storage.
Team plans range from $74.62 per year for five computers, five team members, and 5TB of storage to $749.63 per year for 50 computers, 50 users, and 50TB of storage.
And finally, Business plans start at $74.62 per year for 250GB of storage. While this may appear expensive, it supports unlimited users, devices, databases, and more.
Why iDrive is a good alternative to Microsoft OneDrive:
If you're looking for a high-end business cloud storage solution, I'd highly recommend considering iDrive as a powerful alternative to Microsoft OneDrive.
What is Microsoft OneDrive?
Like most tech giants, Microsoft has created its own cloud storage solution, Microsoft OneDrive.
It's available to all Microsoft users, providing you the freedom and flexibility to store your files and important data in a secure, accessible manner.
One of the reasons I like OneDrive is its excellent cross-platform compatibility.
Not only can you use it to back up standard files from your laptop or desktop computer, but it can also be used with everything from Android and iOS devices to Xbox consoles and more.
What's more, OneDrive creates a backup of virtually every file on your computer.
In short, this means that you can access important documents, photos, and more from virtually anywhere in the world, at any time.
Microsoft OneDrive features and pricing
There are various purchase options available if you would like to use OneDrive's cloud storage solutions.
Personal users can take advantage of 5 GB of free storage or upgrade to 100 GB for just $1.99 per month.
Alternatively, purchase a Microsoft 365 Personal ($69.99 per year) or Microsoft 365 Family ($99.99 per year) plan for 1TB or 6TB total storage respectively.
On the business side, you can access 1TB of storage for $5 per user, per month or unlimited storage for $10 per user, per month.
Alternatively, go for a Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($5 per user, per month) or Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12/50 per user, per month) plan for 1TB of storage and access to various other apps and features.
Pros and cons of Microsoft OneDrive
For me, the standout thing about OneDrive is its excellent file sharing capabilities.
Since it creates automatic backups of your files, you will be able to access them from anywhere, on any device – unless you cancel automatic syncing, of course.
You can use OneDrive on virtually any device, and the mobile apps are intuitive and easy to use.
On top of this, I was very impressed with the document collaborative editing tools, which are designed to help team members or colleagues work on the same project, at the same time.
Unfortunately, though, Microsoft OneDrive really falls down when it comes to security and privacy.
Notably, it doesn't use zero-knowledge encryption, which essentially means that your files are available and visible to prying eyes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microsoft OneDrive?
Microsoft OneDrive is Microsoft's native cloud storage solution. With excellent collaboration tools, multi-platform compatibility, and affordable prices, it offers competitive cloud storage solutions.
What are the pros of Microsoft OneDrive?
Beginner-friendly user interface. Cross-platform compatibility with iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac devices. Great value for money. Backed by the Microsoft ecosystem. The OneDrive Basic free plan offers 5 GB of storage.
What are the cons of Microsoft OneDrive?
Free storage is less than what some competitors offer. Can only set up syncing to predefined folders. Does not offer zero-knowledge encryption and security features are average, to say the least.
What are the best Microsoft OneDrive alternatives?
Sync.com is the best overall alternative to Microsoft OneDrive. pCloud offers very competitively priced solutions, and Dropbox is one of the best free alternatives I have used.
Best Microsoft OneDrive Alternatives: Summary
Although Microsoft OneDrive remains a popular cloud storage provider, I honestly believe that there are numerous better options on the market.
This is largely because OneDrive simply hasn't kept up when it comes to security and privacy.
Its limited security features leave a lot to be desired, and your files won't be adequately protected when at rest or in transmission.
Because of this, I'd highly recommend considering one of the nine Microsoft OneDrive competitors I've outlined on this list.
- Sync.com sits at the top of the list because of its excellent value for money, powerful security integrations, and advanced features.
- pCloud is a great choice if you're looking for a budget provider.
- Dropbox has one of the best free plans I've used.
But this doesn't mean that none of the other options are worth considering.
Almost every platform on this list has some sort of free plan, and I'd really recommend playing around with them before settling on any single provider.
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